An early-season heat wave is sweeping through Southern and Central California, prompting warnings for millions of residents to limit sun exposure and avoid strenuous activity outdoors. Temperatures are forecast to rise higher than 100 degrees in some areas, with little relief overnight, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Why It Matters
The agency issued a heat advisory through 9 p.m. PT Saturday for the Los Angeles and Ventura County valleys, the Santa Monica Mountains, and the southern Salinas Valley, among other locations. Officials are warning of a high risk of heat illness, especially for the elderly, young children, people without air conditioning, and those working or exercising outdoors.
The heat advisories extend from Santa Ynez southeast through the French Valley, encompassing more than 8 million Californians. This week’s heat wave comes after a period of below-average temperatures, meaning that the rising temperatures might feel particularly warm.
What to Know
Daytime highs between 88 and 100 degrees are expected Friday and Saturday, with temperatures dropping only slightly overnight. On Sunday, highs will hover in the upper 80s to low 90s, still above average for this time of year. The heat advisory is in place until 9 p.m. local time Saturday night.
“That is significantly warmer than typical for this time of year,” NWS meteorologist Rose Schoenfeld told Newsweek …